Burnout and its relationship with job satisfaction have been addressed extensively. Research has focused mainly on diverse groups such as health care workers, teachers and (more recently) social workers. This study aims to examine the relationships between the dimensions of burnout and job satisfaction amongst social workers. A sample of 947 Spanish social workers was collected. We used a structural equation model using the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach. A series of hypotheses were formulated to analyse the relationship between burnout dimensions and job satisfaction. Emotional exhaustion is associated with high levels of depersonalisation and low levels of personal accomplishment. Different personal and work-related characteristics are significantly associated with various dimensions of burnout and job satisfaction. This study confirms a statistically significant relationship between burnout dimensions and job satisfaction.

RESUMEN: La cobertura de las necesidades sociales de la población ha sido objeto de diferentes formas y grados de intervención a lo largo de la historia de los Estados modernos. Sin embargo, el Estado del Bienestar no ha generado estrategias que garanticen la equiparación en el acceso a los derechos sociales de hombres y mujeres. Cuestiones como el trabajo reproductivo, la subsidiariedad respecto al mercado de trabajo, o el desigual grado de mercantilización han tenido un papel secundario.Este trabajo trata de analizar la genealogía del Estado del Bienestar bajo una perspectiva de género, estudiando las críticas que la teoría feminista ha planteado. Para ello, se ha realizado una aproximación histórica teniendo en cuenta las corrientes feministas que analizan la evolución de la vindicación del movimiento de mujeres dentro del ámbito de la promoción del bienestar social. Además, se presentan datos que avalan los argumentos y reflexiones propuestas.Estos elementos permiten iniciar una reflexión sobre la posibilidad de que se haya producido un ejercicio de expropiación del bienestar social. En este sentido, aquellas personas que han contribuido a la provisión de cuidados (mayoritariamente mujeres), se han podido ver desprovistas de protección en favor de mejorar las condiciones de vida y la promoción de aquellos que lo han hecho a partir de los rendimientos del trabajo productivo.Palabras clave: Estado del Bienestar; política social; teoría feminista; acción social.

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Summary The study objective was the identification of social workers’ ethic profiles in their professional interventions. To conduct this pilot study, we used data from a national survey ( N = 1071) carried out in Spain. The information was collected through an online questionnaire. Findings Results show that social workers face a variety of ethical dilemmas in their professional practice. Through exploratory factor analysis, it was revealed that the underlying structure of the questionnaire consisted of three categories: direct service to individuals and families, design and implementation of social welfare policy and programmes and relationships among professional colleagues. Through latent class analysis, four unique social workers’ ethical profiles were identified: professionals with minimum incidence of experiencing ethical dilemmas, professionals with low incidence of experiencing ethical dilemmas, professionals with a notable incidence of experiencing ethical dilemmas and, finally, professionals with high incidence of experiencing ethical dilemmas. A third of the social workers in the sample showed a very low probability to be conflicted by ethical dilemmas. Applications The pilot study is expected to serve as a catalyst for discussion of social workers’ ethical conduct and professional practice, to promote professional ethics training and education and to support the development of professional guidelines.

This article explores occupational factors and their psychosocial effects on the quality of life of social work professionals during the first three waves of the pandemic in Spain. Design was a qualitative survey research. Participants reported an increase in logistical, administrative and organizational difficulties; perceived work saturation reduced the quality of professional life expressed in terms of work stress; and professionals suggested a lack of recognition of the profession. Despite all the problems, social workers expressed their resilience as an asset. These findings can help in identifying targets to explore the occupational health of social work professionals.